Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, spoke
in Abuja on Friday at the 68th birthday ceremony of former President Goodluck
Jonathan, which also marked the 10th anniversary of the Goodluck Jonathan
Foundation.

The president said recent political upheavals in the
sub-region show what happens when individuals or groups attempt to undermine
state institutions for personal ambition.

“If you look no further than around us, you will see what it
means to sabotage the principles of democracy,” he said.

“The chaos that follows such subversion is never good for
anyone, not even for those who stand aside and do nothing.”

Tinubu lamented that extremists, adventurists, and
power-hungry actors continue to weaken governance structures in parts of
Africa, insisting that democracy can only survive if citizens respect electoral
outcomes, regardless of the fortunes of their preferred candidates.

“No matter how strong our sentiments, no matter whether our
preferred candidates win or lose, we must learn to respect the wishes of those
who vote differently,” he said, adding that democracy guarantees “another
election, another season, another chance.”

Tinubu used the event to pay a glowing tribute to Jonathan,
describing him as “a statesman who preserved our democracy at a moment when it
mattered most.”

He said Jonathan’s post-presidency work, especially through
the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, demonstrates that leadership transcends
public office and that true national service is measured by one’s commitment
after leaving power.

“President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to channel his
passion into the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation proves one truth: life begins
anew when we leave the high offices for which we are elected,” he said.

Tinubu lauded the foundation for promoting peace,
accountability, and democratic culture at a time when democratic systems are
under threat across the continent.

“Our democracy stands because of people like former
President Goodluck Jonathan. People who believe the Nigerian state is bigger
than any individual,” the president said.

He added that Jonathan’s legacy serves as a template for
leaders who struggle with life after office, emphasising that service should
remain a lifelong commitment.

Anyim Pius Anyim, former senate president, said Jonathan
embodies restraint and democratic discipline.

He praised the former president for consistently choosing
moderation over force, adding that “he spent more time ensuring he restrained
himself from exercising the enormous powers of his office.”

Anyim said Africa continues to benefit from Jonathan’s
“wisdom, good heart, and commitment to what is fair and right”.

Ann Iyonu, executive director of the foundation, said the
past decade has been dedicated to strengthening democratic governance,
peacebuilding, and inclusive development across Africa.

“We have turned bold ideas into transformative action,” she
said, listing election mediation, policy dialogues, conflict-resolution
efforts, and initiatives against violent extremism as key milestones.

She added that the annual democracy dialogue has become a
leading continental platform for interrogating threats to democratic survival.